SPRINGFIELD — Greater Springfield will host the 2014 Northeast Shrine Association convention in August, which is expected to draw about 2,000 to Western Massachusetts.

It's the first time the region has hosted the event since 1983. The dates are Aug. 21 through Aug. 24, according to a press release from the organization.

The Northeast Shrine Association was established in 1936 and is composed of 15 centers throughout New England and eastern Canada, including the Melha Shrine in Springfield, according to the release. The convention encompasses a multitude of events including a parade, dinners and brunch, banquet, and a field day at Six Flags New England in Agawam on Aug. 23.

“This convention will bring tremendous attention to Greater Springfield as well as create a great deal of business for local hotels, restaurants and other venues throughout the area,” said Bill Faust, potentate of the Melha Shrine Center and the 2014 president of the Northeast Shrine Association. “We hope that the public will join us for the unit competition and our Northeast Shriners Parade.”

A competition involving the motorized units from several Shrine centers will start Aug. 23 at 8 a.m. on Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield. Following the competition, a parade will take place beginning at 2 p.m. on Route 147 in Agawam – from Agawam Junior High School to Agawam High School.